United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1995
Great Lakes International Air Cargo Superport Authorization Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to the Western Reserve Port Authority for the construction of runways and taxiways at the Great Lakes International Air Cargo Superport at Youngstown Warren Regional Airport in Vienna, Ohio. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to place the burden of proof on the taxpayer in the case of any administrative proceeding and on the Secretary in the case of any court proceeding. Requires a 30-day notice before lien. Prohibits the Secretary from collecting any tax (or other sum) by levy without judicial consent. Requires a 30-day notice before seizure. Increases the limit on the recovery of civil damages for certain unauthorized collection actions to $1 million and excludes such damages from gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Definitions; General Provisions Title II: Certification of Health Plans Title III: Enforcement Family Health Care Fairness Act of 1995 - Title I: Definitions; General Provisions - Defines terms for purposes of this Act. Mandates a process under which a health plan may apply to be certified under this Act. Provides for certification review, termination, and nonrenewal. Conditions certification on meeting the requirements of this Act. Title II: Certification of Health Plans - Sets forth requirements plans must meet for certification, including regarding: (1) access to care (including emergency and urgent care and specialized services); (2) choice of health professionals, a point-of-service option, and continuity of care; (3) nondiscrimination against individuals or providers on the basis of race and other factors, including the individual's (or the providers' patients') health status and anticipated need for services; (4) mechanisms used in development of plan policies; (5) certain procedures relating to utilization review and appeals processes; (6) certain due process rights for providers; (7) marketing materials and information provided by plans to enrollees and prospective enrollees; (8) confidentiality; (9) plan financial reserves and solvency; and (10) a quality assurance program and case review. (Sec. 210) Mandates a study and report to the Congress on the feasibility and desirability of voluntary health plan participation in a system that: (1) uses a risk adjustment mechanism for enhanced premium payments to plans serving high risk or underserved populations; and (2) requires part of such premiums to be passed through to providers serving such populations. Title III: Enforcement - Mandates regulations to enforce this Act. (Sec. 302) Prohibits plans from inappropriately limiting or denying care through any utilization review or cost containment technique. Allows any individual alleging injury caused by a clinically or medically inappropriate decision resulting from the design or application of utilization review or cost containment to commence a civil action against the plan in State or Federal court. Prohibits plans from requiring any provider to indemnify the plan for recovery in such an action. Prohibits States from limiting plan liability under such an action.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1995
Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to exclude from the definition of "solid waste" any solid or dissolved materials contained, collected, and reused in an on-site production process that prevents releases to the environment.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1995
Requires that any markup in the committees or subcommittees of the House of Representatives of any legislation changing existing law concerning Medicare or Medicaid pursuant to the reconciliation instructions of the concurrent resolution on the budget for FY 1996 be preceded by a minimum of four weeks for public disclosure of and public hearings on the legislative text of such changes. Prohibits such legislation from being considered in the House until such requirements have been met. Expresses the sense of the House that the Senate should adopt a similar schedule for public disclosure and hearings on the legislative text of any such changes.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1995
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra in recognition of his accomplishments as an entertainer and humanitarian. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1995
Federal Aviation Administration Revitalization Act of 1995 - Establishes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an independent Federal agency to succeed the FAA which is currently part of the Department of Transportation (DOT). (Sec. 3) Establishes a Federal Aviation Board (Board), which shall appoint a Chief Executive Officer. Directs the Board to develop, and submit to the Congress, a personnel management system for the Administration. Establishes the Federal Aviation Management Advisory Committee to provide advice and counsel to the Administration. Prohibits the FAA, without the prior approval of the Board, from issuing a proposed or final regulation, airworthiness directive, or advisory circular that may result in the expenditure by State, local, and tribal governments, or by the private sector, of $10 million or more in any one year. Provides an exception in cases of an emergency. Requires Department of Transportation (DOT) review of all proposed or final FAA regulations. Directs the Board to develop, and submit to the Congress, an acquisition management system for the FAA. Permits the judicial review of Administration actions. (Sec. 4) Revises Federal transportation law to require the Chief Executive Officer to prepare, subject to Board approval, an annual budget for the FAA. (Sec. 5) Requires the FAA to publish cost-benefit analyses of minimum aircraft safety regulations that result in annualized compliance costs in excess of $25 million. (Sec. 6) Declares that receipts and disbursements of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund: (1) shall not be included in the totals of the President's or Congress' budget; (2) shall be exempt from any general budget limitations; and (3) shall be exempt from the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Requires the FAA to make annual estimates of unfunded aviation authorizations and net aviation receipts at the close of the following fiscal year. (Sec. 8) Directs the Administrator of the current FAA to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking or a denial of the petition in Docket 27791 of the FAA relating to increasing the fee that airlines retain in collecting passenger facility charges. Makes such fee increase sought in such petition effective if the Administrator fails to respond to the petition. (Sec. 9) Requires the Board to establish a select panel to review and report to the Congress on innovative financing mechanisms for ensuring adequate funding for existing and future aviation infrastructure needs. (Sec. 13) Terminates the FAA of the DOT. (Sec. 14) Directs the Secretary of Transportation to terminate 200 employee positions in the Office of the Secretary to reflect reductions in the aviation responsibilities in such office. (Sec. 15) Amends Federal transportation law to make conforming amendments to reflect FAA changes.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Deterrence of Illegal Immigration Through Improved Border Enforcement, Pilot Programs, and Interior Enforcement Subtitle A: Improved Enforcement at Border Subtitle B: Pilot Programs Subtitle C: Interior Enforcement Title II: Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling; Document Fraud Subtitle A: Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling Subtitle B: Deterrence of Document Fraud Subtitle C: Asset Forfeiture for Passport and Visa Offenses Title III: Inspection, Apprehension, Detention, Adjudication, and Removal of Inadmissible and Deportable Aliens Subtitle A: Revision of Procedures for Removal of Aliens Subtitle B: Removal of Alien Terrorists Subtitle C: Deterring Transportation of Unlawful Aliens to the United States Subtitle D: Additional Provisions Title IV: Enforcement of Restrictions Against Employment Title V: Reform of Legal Immigration System Subtitle A: Worldwide Numerical Limits Subtitle B: Changes in Preference System Subtitle C: Refugees, Asylees, Parole, and Humanitarian Admissions Subtitle D: General Effective Date; Transition Provisions Title VI: Restrictions on Benefits for Aliens Subtitle A: Eligibility of Illegal Aliens for Public Benefits Subtitle B: Expansion of Disqualification from Immigration Benefits on the Basis of Public Charge Subtitle C: Attribution of Income and Affidavits of Support Title VII: Facilitation of Legal Entry Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions Immigration in the National Interest Act of 1995 - Title I: Deterrence of Illegal Immigration Through Improved Border Enforcement, Pilot Programs, and Interior Enforcement - Subtitle A: Improved Border Enforcement - Increases: (1) the Border Patrol; and (2) Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) border enforcement and related personnel. (Sec. 102) Provides for barrier and road improvements at U.S. border areas of high illegal entry, including San Diego, California. Authorizes appropriations for San Diego area improvements. (Sec. 103) Provides for improved border equipment and technology. (Sec. 104) Provides for biometric identifiers to be included in border crossing identification cards. (Sec. 105) Establishes civil penalties for illegal U.S. entry. (Sec. 106) Authorizes appropriations for detention and prosecution of aliens who have unlawfully entered the United States at least twice. (Sec. 107) Provides for inservice Border Patrol training. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Pilot Programs - Establishes pilot programs for: (1) deterrence of multiple unauthorized U.S. entries, which may include interior or third party repatriation; (2) use of closed military bases as INS detention centers; and (3) collection of alien departure records. Subtitle C: Interior Enforcement - Provides for increased INS interior investigative and enforcement personnel. Title II: Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling; Document Fraud - Subtitle A: Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling - Amends Federal criminal law to: (1) authorize wiretaps in alien smuggling investigations; and (2) include alien smuggling within racketeering offenses. (Sec. 203) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act) to revise and increase criminal penalties for alien smuggling. (Sec. 204) Increases the number of Assistant United States Attorneys and provides for their assignment to criminal matters involving illegal aliens. (Sec. 205) Authorizes and provides for INS undercover investigations. Subtitle B: Deterrence of Document Fraud - Amends Federal criminal law and the Act to increase and establish criminal and civil penalties for specified immigration related document fraud offenses, including false citizenship claims. Subtitle C: Asset Forfeiture for Passport and Visa Offenses - Amends Federal criminal law to provide for asset forfeiture for passport and visa offenses. Title III: Inspection, Apprehension, Detention, Adjudication, and Removal of Inadmissible and Deportable Aliens - Subtitle A: Revision of Procedures for Removal of Aliens - Amends the Act to revise alien removal and penalty provisions. (Sec. 309) Sets forth transition provisions with respect to: (1) the Attorney General's option to apply current or revised procedures; (2) judicial review; (3) suspension of deportation; and (4) certain family unity aliens. Subtitle B: Removal of Alien Terrorists - Part 1: Removal Procedures for Alien Terrorists - Amends the Act to establish a special removal procedure for alien terrorists, including establishment of a special removal court and a panel of special attorneys with access to classified information. (Sec. 322) Authorizes additional appropriations for INS detention and removal of alien terrorists. Part 2: Inadmissibility and Denial of Relief for Alien Terrorists - Amends the Act to make membership in a terrorist organization grounds for U.S. exclusion. (Sec. 332) Denies alien terrorists status adjustment and deportation relief. Subtitle C: Deterring Transportation of Unlawful Aliens to the United States - Amends the Act with regard to vessel and aircraft transportation of illegal aliens into the United States. Subtitle D: Additional Provisions - Authorizes Federal retirees to be used in the Institutional Hearing Program. (Sec. 358) Authorizes additional appropriations to the Attorney General for removing inadmissible or deportable aliens. (Sec. 359) Establishes in the Treasury an Immigration Enforcement Account. (Sec. 360) Declares that Congress advises the President to negotiate prisoner transfer treaties, which may include compensation provisions. (Sec. 361) Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to direct INS to operate a criminal alien identification system. (Sec 363) Authorizes special registration of aliens on criminal probation or parole. Title IV: Enforcement of Restrictions Against Employment - Increases full-time employee positions in: (1) the Investigations Division of INS; and (2) the Wage and Hour Division of the Employment Standards Administration of the Department of Labor. (Sec. 403) Amends the Act to revise the employer sanctions program. Provides for an employment eligibility confirmation mechanism. Title V: Reform of Legal Immigration System - Amends the Act to restructure current legal immigration categories and levels into the following: (1) family-sponsored immigrants; (2) employment-based immigrants; and (3) humanitarian immigrants. Subtitle A: Worldwide Numerical Limits - Amends the Act to establish fiscal year worldwide limits for such immigrant categories. (Sec. 504) Requires periodic congressional review and reauthorization of worldwide immigration levels. Subtitle B: Changes in Preference System - Amends the Act to limit immediate relatives to spouses and children of U.S. citizens. (Sec. 512) Limits preference allocation for family-sponsored immigrants to: (1) spouses and children of lawful permanent resident aliens; and (2) qualifying parents of U.S. citizens. Requires parents to have adequate health coverage. (Sec. 513) Revises preference allocations for employment-based immigrants. Establishes: (1) a pilot program for smaller alien job creation investors; and (2) conditional permanent resident status for certain foreign language teachers. (Sec. 515) Revises special immigrant status provisions, including: (1) inclusion of certain NATO civilian employees; and (2) extension of status for religious workers. (Sec. 517) Makes specified family and employment-based amendments. Subtitle C: Refugees, Asylees, Parole, and Humanitarian Admissions - Amends the Act to limit annual refugee admissions to 75,000 in FY 1997 or 50,000 in succeeding years unless the Congress provides for additional entries. (Sec. 523) Authorizes the temporary employment of certain retirees to help reduce asylum application backlogs. (Sec. 524) Limits parole entry to a case-by-case basis for humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons. (Sec. 525) Provides for the admission of humanitarian immigrants. (Sec. 526) Revises asylum provisions. Subtitle D: General Effective Date; Transition Provisions - Sets forth transition provisions for specified classification status petitions. Title VI: Restrictions on Benefits for Aliens - Subtitle A: Eligibility of Illegal Aliens for Public Benefits - Part 1: Public Benefits Generally - Makes illegal aliens ineligible for unemployment benefits and Federal and State assistance, contracts, and licenses, with exceptions for emergency medical services, public health immunizations, and short-term emergency disaster relief. Requires proof of identify for Federal contracts, grants, loans, licenses, and specified public assistance programs. Authorizes States to establish similar requirements. (Sec. 605) Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to report on the disqualification of illegal aliens from housing assistance programs. Part 2: Earned Income Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny the earned income tax credit to individuals not authorized to work in the United States. Subtitle B: Expansion of Disqualification from Immigration Benefits on the Basis of Public Charge - Amends the Act to revise public charge grounds for inadmissibility and deportability. Subtitle C: Attribution of Income and Affidavits of Support - Attributes a sponsor's income and resources to a family-sponsored immigrant for purposes of eligibility for Federal means-tested public benefits programs. (Sec. 632) Amends the Act to set forth sponsor affidavit of support requirements. Title VII: Facilitation of Legal Entry - Provides for: (1) increased numbers of land border inspectors; and (2) border infrastructure improvements. (Sec. 703) Amends the Act to provide for: (1) preinspection at specified foreign airports; and (2) training of airline personnel in fraudulent document detection. Establishes a carrier consultant program. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Act, as amended by the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994 to revise the definition of "aggravated felony." Amends the Act with regard to: (1) definitions of "child" and "parent"; (2) visa processing procedure; (3) waiver authority concerning notice of visa application denial; (4) Canadian landed immigrants; (5) H-1B nonimmigrants; (6) visa extensions; (7) status adjustment; (8) access to certain confidential INS files; (9) nonimmigrant status for spouses and children of members of the armed forces; (10) fraudulent birth certificates; (11) visa "shopping"; and (12) specified miscellaneous and technical provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
Bear Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prohibit: (1) the import into, or export from, the United States of bear viscera; and (2) the sale, barter, offer of sale or barter, purchase, or possession with intent to sell or barter, in interstate or foreign commerce, of bear viscera. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the bear viscera trade and any U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to monitor it. Requires the United States Trade Representative and the Secretary to discuss issues involving such trade with representatives of countries that are the leading importers, exporters, or consumers of such products.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1995
Continues existing average fuel economy standards for passenger and non-passenger automobiles until such standards are specifically amended or changed by law.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1995
Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor Act of 1995 - Establishes the Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor in Ohio. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor Advisory Commission to assist Federal, State, and local authorities and the private sector in the preparation and implementation of an integrated Corridor Management Plan (Plan) for the conservation, funding, management, and development of the Corridor. Requires the Commission to submit a recommendation to the Secretary for designation of a management entity for the Corridor. Directs such entity to develop and submit the Plan to the Commission for review. Directs the Commission, after endorsing the plan, to submit it to the Secretary for approval. Requires the entity: (1) in developing and implementing the Plan, to consider the interests of diverse units of government, businesses, private property owners, and nonprofit groups; (2) to conduct public meetings at least quarterly regarding Plan implementation; and (3) to submit annual reports to the Secretary. Directs the Commission to annually review the management entity's proposed expenditures of Federal funds for consistency with the purposes of this Act and the Plan. Sets forth provisions concerning the management entity's: (1) eligibility requirements of legal ability to receive and disburse Federal funds; (2) authorization to receive Federal funding to carry out this Act; (3) disqualification to receive such funds if the Plan is not submitted within the prescribed time; (4) authority to use the funds for purposes of preparing and implementing the Plan; (5) eligibility for financial assistance over three years for operating costs and six years for development costs; and (6) prohibition against using such funds to acquire real property. Continues the designation of the Corridor unless the Secretary: (1) determines that its use, condition, or development is incompatible with the purposes of this Act or that the management entity has not made reasonable and appropriate progress in preparing or implementing the Plan; and (2) notifies the Congress that the Corridor designation should be withdrawn. Authorizes the Secretary, on request of the management entity, to provide technical assistance to units of government, nonprofit organizations, and other persons regarding the Plan and its implementation. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring recipients of such assistance to enact or modify land use restrictions. Authorizes the Superintendent of the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area, on request, to provide to public and private organizations within the Corridor such operational assistance as appropriate to support the implementation of the Plan. Provides that nothing in this Act: (1) modifies any authority of Federal, State, or local governments to regulate any use of land; (2) grants powers of zoning or land use control to the Commission or management entity; (3) affects or authorizes the Commission to interfere with the rights of persons with respect to private property or any local zoning ordinance or land use plan of Ohio or a political subdivision; or (4) diminishes Ohio's authority to manage fish and wildlife. Limits the Federal contribution to the management entity to not more than: (1) 50 percent of the total cost of the entity's annual operating costs attributed to preparation and implementation of the Plan; and (2) 30 percent of the total cost of the entity's annual development costs attributable to the implementation of such Plan. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1995
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit, with exceptions, an asylum claim made in the United States by an alien who has passed through a third country offering asylum or safe haven for refugees. Directs the Secretary of State to enter into negotiations with certain refugee signatory countries to limit asylum requests.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1995
Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a program to provide assistance for the environmental remediation of brownfield sites, with specified exceptions. Defines a "brownfield site" as a parcel of land that contains or contained abandoned or under-used commercial or industrial facilities, the expansion or redevelopment of which is complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances. Authorizes the Administrator, upon approval of an application and with funds authorized to be appropriated from the Hazardous Substance Superfund, to make: (1) grants for site characterization and assessment; and (2) interest-free loans for environmental remediation (for purposes of making the site or sites available for manufacturing, business, or other commercial or residential purposes). Directs the Administrator to establish a system for the ranking of applications for assistance. Deems a final EPA rule regarding lender liability issued on April 29, 1992, to have been validly issued pursuant to the authority of CERCLA and to have been effective according to the final rule's terms. Precludes jurisdiction of a court to review the rule. Amends CERCLA to absolve from liability for response actions bona fide prospective purchasers to the extent liability at a facility for a release or threat thereof is based solely on ownership or operation of a facility. Directs the Administrator to issue guidelines explaining the criteria by which a person may qualify as a bona fide purchaser. Gives a lien upon a facility to the United States for unrecovered response costs in any case in which there are such unrecovered costs for which the owner is not liable by reason of status as a bona fide prospective purchaser and the response action increases the facility's fair market value above that which existed within six months before the action was taken. Limits a fiduciary's personal obligations and liabilities for response actions with respect to ownership or operation of a vessel or facility to the extent to which the assets held in a fiduciary capacity are sufficient to indemnify such person, subject to certain conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1995
Family Business Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross estate, for estate tax purposes, specified portions of the adjusted value of the qualified family-owned business interests of the decedent.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1995
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to modify the formula for determining the amount of reduced monthly OASDI benefits payable to a spouse, surviving spouse, or parent receiving monthly payments from a Federal or State pension plan.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Ocean Shipping Reform Title II: Controlled Carriers Amendments Title III: Elimination of the Federal Maritime Commission Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1995 - Title I: Ocean Shipping Reform - Amends the Shipping Act of 1984 to include as one of its purposes the granting of authority to carriers and shippers to develop transportation arrangements to meet their specific needs. (Sec. 102) Redefines the term "conference," with respect to an association of ocean carriers permitted, pursuant to an approved agreement, to engage in concerted activity, to change "common tariff," which they all utilize, to "common schedule of transportation rates, charges, classifications, rules, and practices." Defines ocean freight forwarder and shippers' association. (Sec. 103) Revises the scope of the Shipping Act of 1984, with respect to certain agreements by or among ocean common carriers, to: (1) substitute "ocean freight forwarders" for "non-vessel-operating common carriers" in exclusive, preferential, or cooperative working arrangements with ocean common carriers covered by the Act; and (2) cover agreements that discuss any matter related to ocean transportation contracts, and enter ocean transportation contracts and agreements related to those contracts. Repeals coverage of agreements to regulate or prohibit the use of service contracts. (Sec. 104) Revises provisions relating to independent actions on certain matters by members of a shipping conference agreement. (Sec. 106) Repeals the mandate for an automated tariff filing and information system. Revises provisions relating to: (1) schedules of transportation rates, terms, and conditions of common carriers and conferences for transportation services not governed by an ocean transportation contract; (2) ocean transportation contracts between one or more common carriers and a conference and one or more shippers; and (3) prohibited acts by persons or common carriers with respect to the provision of ocean transportation services. (Sec. 109) Amends the Foreign Shipping Practices Act of 1988 with respect to actions that the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) may take against foreign carriers whose practices in a foreign country result in conditions that adversely affect U.S. carriers in the oceanborne trade, and do not exist for foreign carriers of that country in the United States. (Sec. 110) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to request the Secretary of the Treasury to refuse or revoke any clearance required for a common carrier vessel if such carrier fails to supply certain information in a FMC investigation or adjudicatory proceeding. (Sec. 114) Revises certain license and bond requirements with respect to ocean freight forwarders. (Sec. 117) Requires marine terminal operators to make available to the public any schedules of rates, regulations, and practices, including limitations of liability, pertaining to receiving, delivering, handling, or storing property at its marine terminal. Title II: Controlled Carriers Amendments - Revises provisions concerning the unjustness and unreasonableness of controlled carrier rates. (Sec. 201) Declares that the rate standards, information submissions, remedies, reviews, and penalties under the Shipping Act of 1984 shall apply to ocean common carriers that are not controlled, but which have been determined by the Secretary of Transportation to be structurally or financially affiliated with nontransportation entities or organizations (government or private) in such a way as to affect their pricing or marketplace behavior in an unfair, predatory, or anticompetitive way that disadvantages U.S. carriers. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations that would govern how price and other information is to be submitted by controlled and non-controlled carriers when it would be needed to determine whether prices charged by them are unfair, predatory, or anticompetitive. (Sec. 202) Directs the Secretary to develop, and submit to the Congress, a negotiation strategy to persuade foreign governments to divest themselves of ownership and control of ocean common carriers. Title III: Elimination of the Federal Maritime Commission - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to submit to the Congress a plan to eliminate the FMC no later than October 1, 1997.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1995
Wamp Congress Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to: (1) place equal ($2000) contribution limits on multicandidate political committees and other persons generally; and (2) limit House of Representatives election contributions from persons other than in-State individual residents.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1995
Downed Animal Protection Act - Amends the Packers and Stockyard Act, 1921 to make it unlawful for any stockyard owner, market agency, or dealer to buy, sell, give, receive, transfer, market, hold, or drag any nonambulatory livestock unless such livestock has been humanely euthanized. Imposes civil and criminal penalties for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1995
Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from closing, consolidating, or reducing to seasonal status any Coast Guard multi- mission small boat station unless he certifies that such action will not result in the degradation of services that would cause an increased threat to life, property, environment, public safety, or national security.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1995
Private Security Officer Quality Assurance Act of 1995 - Authorizes an association of employers of private security officers (officers) to submit fingerprints or other methods of positive identification to the Attorney General for background checks of such officers. Allows the Attorney General to exchange identification and criminal history records with State governmental agencies for licensing and employment purposes. (Sec. 4) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the States should enact statutes for issuing licenses to, and reviewing security services of, employers of officers. Provides that: (1) fees on licenses of officers should compensate the State for its direct costs of implementing and enforcing the program; and (2) procedures for issuing such licenses and reviewing such security services should require employers to assign an employee to duty as an unarmed officer prior to State approval of the employee's registration as an officer only after the employer has submitted an application for a criminal records background check, initiated verification of the employee's personal references and five year employment history, and verified that the employee has successfully completed specified training requirements. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) registration permit and training requirements; (2) waiver of preassignment screening and training requirements if the officer holds a valid registration certificate of that State or is a sworn law enforcement officer; (3) recognition of out-of-State licenses; (4) employee protection from unreasonable limitations imposed by an employer on the right to seek or obtain subsequent employment; and (5) State use of advisory boards.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1995
Trade Independence Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit: (1) an individual who has served as the U.S. Trade Representative, a commissioner of the International Trade Commission, or the Secretary of Commerce from representing, aiding, or advising a foreign principal, with the intent of influencing the decision of an employee of a U.S. Government department or agency, for ten years after leaving office; and (2) a senior officer or employee of the International Trade Commission, the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the International Trade Administration, or the Bureau of Export Administration of the Department of Commerce from representing, aiding, or advising a foreign entity, with the intent of influencing the decision of an employee of a U.S. Government department or agency, five years after the termination of the individual's employment. Sets penalties for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1995
Access to Emergency Medical Services Act of 1995 - Requires a health plan that provides any emergency services coverage to cover emergency services furnished to a plan enrollee without regard to: (1) whether the provider has an arrangement with the plan; and (2) prior authorization. Mandates prompt payment in a reasonable and appropriate amount and prohibits cost-sharing greater for hospital emergency services than for other settings. Requires specified measures relating to the timeliness of prior authorization determinations regarding needed care identified in initial evaluations. Prohibits plans from discouraging appropriate use of the 911 emergency telephone number or from denying coverage or payment for an item or service solely on the basis that an enrollee uses the number. Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require health maintenance organizations, competitive medical plans, and managed care plans to meet the requirements of this paragraph. Allows State laws that provide protections exceeding those of this Act. Provides for civil money penalties for violations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1995
Consumer Auto-Tax Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for interest on the acquisition of an automobile: (1) of which 60 percent or more of its equipment originated in the United States or Canada; (2) the price of which is under $35,000; and (3) the sale of which is its first retail sale.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1995
Parental Rights and Responsibilities Act of 1995 - Prohibits any Federal, State, or local government or any official of such a government from interfering with or usurping the right of a parent to govern the upbringing of a child of the parent. Disallows any exception to this Act unless the government or official is able to demonstrate, by appropriate evidence, that such interference or usurpation is valid to accomplish a compelling government interest, in which case only the least amount of interference may be used.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Deterrence of Illegal Immigration Through Improved Border Enforcement and Pilot Programs Subtitle A: Improved Enforcement at Border Subtitle B: Pilot Programs Title II: Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling; Document Fraud Subtitle A: Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling Subtitle B: Deterrence of Document Fraud Subtitle C: Asset Forfeiture for Passport and Visa Offenses Title III: Inspection, Apprehension, Detention, Adjudication, and Removal of Inadmissible and Deportable Aliens Subtitle A: Revision of Procedures for Removal of Aliens Subtitle B: Removal of Alien Terrorists Subtitle C: Deterring Transportation of Unlawful Aliens to the United States Subtitle D: Additional Provisions Title IV: Enforcement of Restrictions Against Employment Title V: Reform of Legal Immigration System Subtitle A: Worldwide Numerical Limits Subtitle B: Changes in Family-Sponsored and Employment- Based Preference System Subtitle C: Refugees, Asylees, Parole, and Humanitarian Admissions Subtitle D: Effective Dates; Transition Provisions Title VI: Restrictions on Benefits for Illegal Aliens Subtitle A: Eligibility of Illegal Aliens for Public Benefits Subtitle B: Expansion of Disqualification from Immigration Benefits on the Basis of Public Charge Subtitle C: Attribution of Income and Affadavits of Support Title VII: Facilitation of Legal Entry Title VIII: Miscellaneous Immigration in the National Interest Act of 1995 - Title I: Deterrence of Illegal Immigration Through Improved Border Enforcement and Pilot Programs - Subtitle A: Improved Enforcement at Border - Increases: (1) the Border Patrol; and (2) Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) border enforcement and related personnel. (Sec. 102) Provides for improved border crossing cards, equipment, and crossing barriers, including authorization of appropriations for fencing and road improvements in the border area near San Diego, California. (Sec. 105) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act) to establish civil penalties for illegal U.S. entry. Subtitle B: Pilot Programs - Establishes pilot programs for: (1) interior repatriation of inadmissible or deportable aliens; (2) use of closed military bases to detain inadmissible or deportable aliens; and (3) collection of alien departure records. Title II: Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling; Document Fraud - Subtitle A: Enhanced Enforcement and Penalties Against Alien Smuggling - Amends Federal criminal law to: (1) authorize wiretaps in alien smuggling investigations; and (2) include alien smuggling offenses under the purview of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) provisions. (Sec. 203) Amends the Act to: (1) expand INS forfeiture authority for smuggling or harboring illegal aliens; and (2) increase criminal penalties for alien smuggling. (Sec. 205) Increases the number of Assistant United States Attorneys and provides for their assignment to criminal matters involving illegal aliens. Subtitle B: Deterrence of Document Fraud - Amends Federal criminal law and the Act to increase and establish criminal and civil penalties for specified immigration related document fraud offenses. Subtitle C: Asset Forfeiture for Passport and Visa Offenses - Amends Federal criminal law to provide for asset forfeiture for passport and visa offenses. Title III: Inspection, Apprehension, Detention, Adjudication, and Removal of Inadmissible and Deportable Aliens - Subtitle A: Revision of Procedures for Removal of Aliens - Amends the Act to revise alien removal provisions. Subtitle B: Removal of Alien Terrorists - Part 1: Removal Procedures for Alien Terrorists - Amends the Act to establish a special removal procedure for terrorists, including the designation by the Chief Justice of the United States of a special removal court. Part 2: Exclusion and Denial of Asylum for Alien Terrorists - Amends the Act to make membership in a terrorist organization a ground for U.S. exclusion. (Sec. 332) Denies asylum, status adjustment, and deportation relief to alien terrorists. Subtitle C: Deterring Transportation of Unlawful Aliens to the United States - Amends the Act with regard to vessel and aircraft transportation of illegal aliens into the United States. Subtitle D: Additional Provisions - Amends the Act to impose civil penalties upon an alien subject to an order of removal who fails to depart. (Sec. 358) Authorizes additional appropriations for removal of illegal aliens. (Sec. 359) Establishes in the Treasury an Immigration Enforcement Account. Title IV: Enforcement of Restrictions Against Employment - Increases full-time employee positions in: (1) the Investigations Division of INS; and (2) the Wage and Hour Division of the Employment Standards Administration of the Department of Labor. (Sec. 403) Amends the Act to revise the employer sanctions program. Title V: Reform of Legal Immigration System - Subtitle A: Worldwide Numerical Limits - Amends the Act to revise legal immigration categories and numerical limitations. (Sec. 504) Requires periodic congressional review and reauthorization of worldwide immigration levels. Subtitle B: Changes in Preference System - Amends the Act to revise the immigration preference system. Subtitle C: Refugees, Asylees, Parole, and Humanitarian Admissions - Amends the Act to revise annual refugee admissions and asylee adjustment provisions. (Sec. 523) Authorizes the temporary employment of certain retirees to help reduce asylum application backlogs. (Sec. 524) Limits parole entry to a case-by-case basis for humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons. Subtitle D: General Effective Date; Transition Provisions - Sets forth transition provisions for specified classification status petitions. Title VI: Restrictions on Benefits for Illegal Aliens - Subtitle A: Eligibility of Illegal Aliens for Public Benefits - Part 1: Public Benefits Generally - Makes illegal aliens ineligible (with specified exceptions) for public assistance, contracts, and licenses. (Sec. 602) Makes unauthorized aliens ineligible for unemployment benefits. Part 2: Earned Income Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny the earned income tax credit to individuals not authorized to work in the United States. Subtitle B: Expansion of Disqualification from Immigration Benefits on the Basis of Public Charge - Amends the Act to revise public charge grounds for inadmissibility and deportability. Subtitle C: Attribution of Income and Affidavits of Support - Attributes a sponsor's income and resources to a family-sponsored immigrant for purposes of eligibility for Federal means-tested public benefits programs. (Sec. 632) Amends the Act to set forth sponsor affidavit of support requirements. Title VII: Facilitation of Legal Entry - Provides for: (1) increased numbers of land border inspectors; and (2) border infrastructure improvements. (Sec. 703) Amends the Act to provide for: (1) preinspection at specified foreign airports; and (2) training of airline personnel in fraudulent document detection. Establishes a carrier consultant program. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Act, as amended by the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994 to revise the definition of "aggravated felony." Amends the Act with regard to: (1) definitions of "child" and "parent"; (2) visa processing procedure; (3) waiver authority concerning notice of visa application denial; (4) Canadian landed immigrants; (5) H-1B nonimmigrants; (6) visa extensions; (7) status adjustment; (8) access to certain confidential INS files; (9) nonimmigrant status for spouses and children of members of the armed forces; (10) fraudulent birth certificates; and (11) specified miscellaneous and technical provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1995
Amends the Clean Air Act to add specified definitions relating to agriculture-related facilities (grain elevators, grain, feed, or rice mills, or grain processing facilities). Defines "potential to emit" as the potential of a facility to emit during a one-year period under maximum realistic operation. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in determining the maximum realistic operation of an agriculture-related facility, to consider: (1) the cyclical or seasonal nature of the facility; and (2) the maximum hours of operation of the facility that actually occurred during any of the preceding five years in the case of a facility in operation on the date of determination. Requires the Administrator to consider the effect of control equipment and techniques in lowering the potential to emit of an agriculture-related facility. Exempts a source from permitting requirements if the source is not a major source and is subject to emissions standards for new stationary sources or requirements for stationary sources of hazardous air pollutants.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1995
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to deferred compensation plans to treat length of service award plans for bona fide volunteers as not providing for the deferral of compensation. Specifies such volunteers as those providing fire fighting and prevention services, emergency medical services, and ambulance services. Exempts such deferred amounts from social security taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1995
School Bus Safety Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe Federal proficiency standards for school bus drivers who are required to possess a commercial driver's license to operate a school bus. Requires the Secretary, in prescribing such standards, to authorize States to establish their own proficiency standards in lieu of the Federal standards if the Secretary determines they are as rigorous as the Federal standards. Requires bus drivers to demonstrate their proficiency in operating a school bus in accordance with either the Federal or State standards. (Sec. 4) Directs the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to develop and disseminate guidelines on the safe transportation in school buses of children under the age of five. (Sec. 5) Amends Federal transportation law to require the Secretary to issue regulations making Federal commercial motor carrier safety regulations applicable to all interstate school operations by local educational agencies. Directs the Secretary to develop an education program informing all local educational agencies that they must comply with such regulations when providing interstate transportation on a school bus to and from school-sanctioned and school-related activities. (Sec. 6) Amends the Intelligent Vehicle-Highway Systems Act of 1991 to require the Secretary, in deciding which projects to fund under such Act, to ensure that one or more operational tests advance the use and reduce the cost of intelligent vehicle-highway system technologies (including hazard warning systems or sensors) that alert school bus drivers of pedestrians or vehicles in, or approaching, the path of a school bus. (Sec. 7) Requires the Secretary to ensure that each State receiving Federal aid to conduct highway safety programs utilizes a portion of it (at least $1 million per fiscal year) to conduct traffic engineering activities to improve the safe operation of school buses. (Sec. 8) Requires the Secretary to begin a rulemaking process to determine the feasibility of certain safety and access requirements for school buses. (Sec. 9) Requires the Secretary, in carrying out highway safety research and development projects, to provide for the dissemination of information on school bus safety. (Sec. 10) Prohibits a local educational agency, and any contractor providing transportation services to such agency, from employing a person as a school bus driver before the completion of a background check of the person in the national criminal history background check system. Requires State criminal background check procedures to meet the guidelines set forth in the National Child Protection Act of 1993. Declares that no local educational agency or contractor providing it with transportation services shall be liable in an action for damages on the basis of a criminal conviction of a person employed as a school bus driver if a criminal background check was conducted but the conviction was not disclosed. (Sec. 11) Requires the Secretary to study and report to specified congressional committees on school bus safety. (Sec. 12) Requires the Secretary to: (1) issue a notice of proposed rulemaking with respect to minimum reporting criteria on traffic-related deaths and injuries under State highway safety programs; and (2) issue a final rule establishing such criteria. (Sec. 13) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1995
Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1995 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by covered entities, including an employing authority to which specified provisions of the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991 or the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 apply. Declares that: (1) this Act does not apply to the provision of employee benefits for the benefit of an employee's partner; and (2) a disparate impact does not establish a prima facie violation of this Act. Prohibits quotas and preferential treatment. Declares that this Act does not apply to: (1) religious organizations (except in their for-profit activities); (2) the armed forces; or (3) laws creating special rights or preferences for veterans. Provides for enforcement. Disallows State immunity. Makes the United States liable for all remedies (except punitive damages) to the same extent as a private person. Allows recovery of attorney's fees. Prohibits retaliation and coercion. Requires posting notices for employees and applicants.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1995
Natural Disaster Protection Partnership Act of 1995 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Act) to: (1) require a State to pay or agree to pay at least five dollars per resident, as determined by the latest official census, before such State or local government receives Federal assistance for the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of public facilities damaged or destroyed by a major disaster in the State; and (2) revise the formula used to determine the Federal share of such assistance as well as the Federal share for debris and wreckage removal from publicly and privately owned lands resulting from such disaster. Allows an increase of such assistance only upon the enactment of a joint resolution not designated as an emergency under provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). (Sec. 5) Adds provisions concerning disaster mitigation. Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to establish and carry out natural disaster hazard mitigation (mitigation) programs that support natural disaster research, technology, and education. Gives the effect of law to a specified executive order relating to earthquake design and construction standards for federally leased, assisted, or regulated buildings. Requires the Director to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of establishing: (1) national minimum building construction standards for residential and commercial building construction; and (2) standards for the training and licensing of home inspectors and for using such inspections as a means of promoting mitigation for residential property. Requires the Director to define which States should be classified as natural disaster-prone for purposes of the Act. Requires each natural disaster-prone State to either: (1) adopt multihazard building and safety codes for all new and substantially modified building construction in that State; or (2) certify that the State's local communities have adopted and are enforcing building codes which meet the appropriate minimum mitigation requirements of that State. Requires each State designated as flood-prone to either adopt relevant flood protection standards or certify that its flood-prone local communities are in compliance with appropriate State flood protection standards. Requires each natural disaster-prone State to either develop a multihazard mitigation plan or designate an existing plan which includes specified compliance and response requirements. Outlines provisions concerning State compliance with the establishment, adoption, and implementation of appropriate mitigation plans. Provides penalties for noncompliance. Requires the Director, after crediting premiums from the Natural Disaster Insurance Corporation (established under this Act), to allocate funds from a Mitigation Account (established under this Act) to States which comply with all mitigation requirements under this Act. Provides an allocation formula. Requires such funds to be used to support mitigation activities, especially those necessary to bring a State into compliance with building and safety code requirements enumerated under this Act. Requires audits of fund uses. Exempts a State, under specified conditions, from a particular mitigation requirement if it receives inadequate funds from the Account to cover the costs of complying with such requirement. Encourages each private insurer that participates in the Natural Disaster Insurance Corporation to take mitigation measures into account in setting rates and deductibles for its property insurance. Establishes the Natural Disaster Insurance Corporation as a not-for-profit membership corporation to provide primary insurance coverages and reinsurance coverage for hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. Requires the Corporation's Board of Directors (Board) to: (1) develop a plan of operation describing the Corporation's administration and the provision of the insurance coverages it provides; and (2) develop and adjust, when necessary, actuarially sound rates for such coverages. Establishes an independent Natural Disaster Insurance Board of Actuaries (Independent Board) to review and approve such plan and rates. Requires the Board to file with each State insurance regulator information copies of the initial material and future revisions to its insurance rates, terms, or conditions. Requires the Corporation to establish and maintain a: (1) primary insurance coverage trust account to pay qualifying claims and loss adjustments expenses to private insurers acting as service providers of the primary insurance coverages; and (2) reinsurance coverage trust account to pay qualifying claims to private insurers which purchased such coverage. Outlines provisions concerning the Corporation's use of funds from other accounts and funds to pay for losses in excess of trust account funds or funds raised by issuing obligations in the private market (requiring repayment of funds borrowed from such accounts or funds). Requires the trust accounts to be kept separate. Prohibits: (1) the borrowing of monies between such accounts; and (2) the authorization or appropriation of Federal funds for Corporation activities. Requires the Comptroller General to audit and report to the Congress on Corporation and Independent Board activities. Requires the Corporation to: (1) issue primary insurance coverages that insure against physical damages and losses to residential property, including debris removal, additional living expenses incurred as a result of direct damage to such property, and ordinance and law coverages, resulting from the natural disasters enumerated in this Act that meet specified terms and conditions; and (2) make, under certain conditions, excess reinsurance coverage available to private insurers and State insurance pools for residential losses (including quota-share amounts retained by the private insurers under this Act not already insured by the Corporation under the primary insurance coverage policies) and commercial losses that are proximately caused by specified natural disaster perils. Prohibits making or renewing any federally-related mortgage loan secured by residential property located in an earthquake, volcanic eruption, tsunami, or hurricane-prone State unless the property is covered by: (1) primary insurance coverages; or (2) coverage issued by a private insurer which has equivalent terms, conditions, and rates as such coverages for seismic perils and that meets such terms and conditions as those required for the hurricane peril. Provides an escrow requirement with respect to insurance premiums for such coverage. Outlines requirements that must be met by residential property owners in natural disaster-prone States before the owners can receive any financial assistance under the Act or any similar Federal disaster assistance. Requires the Director and the Corporation to jointly report to the Congress on any additional sanctions or other measures deemed necessary to assure that policyholders purchase Federal flood insurance pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. Requires private insurers which exclude coverage for physical damage caused by flooding to include in the contract a specified warning statement to that effect (or an appropriate alternative warning statement). Establishes in the Treasury the Natural Disaster Protection Fund. Establishes within the Fund a separate Private Loss Account, Public Loss Account, and Mitigation Account. Requires the three accounts to be kept separate and prohibits the borrowing of monies between them. Requires the Private Loss Account to provide direct Federal loans to cover shortfalls in the Corporation's primary insurance and reinsurance accounts. Requires the Public Loss Account to: (1) retain reserve funds sufficient to cover the anticipated costs resulting from natural disasters up to the annual ten-year historical average of disaster relief provided by the Director; and (2) provide grants to States for the repair or restoration of critical facilities and lifelines, public facilities, and infrastructure damaged or destroyed by natural disasters and for pre-natural disaster mitigation. Allows the Federal share of such grants to be increased only upon the enactment of a joint resolution not designated as an emergency under provisions of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Requires: (1) the Mitigation Account to provide funds to States for appropriate mitigation efforts described in this Act; and (2) the Corporation to pay a specified percentage of the annual net premiums collected for the primary insurance coverages and the reinsurance coverages for mitigation purposes. Provides for appropriate transfers and credits to the Public Loss Account and the Mitigation Account. Authorizes appropriations to such Accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995
Medicaid Certification Act of 1995 - Makes certain technical corrections to title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, allowing, among other changes, for physician reimbursement for certified osteopathic physician services provided to children and pregnant women enrolled in Medicaid. Makes this Act effective as if included in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1995
Amends the Federal criminal code to exempt qualified current or former law enforcement officers from State laws prohibiting the carrying of concealed firearms. Specifies that a State or political subdivision thereof may require such individuals to provide appropriate authorities with prior notice of the intent of the individual to carry a concealed firearm, but makes such requirement inapplicable to such an individual who is passing through the jurisdiction without undue delay en route to another jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
Black Revolutionary War Patriots Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Memorial in Washington, D.C. Directs that coin sale surcharges be paid to the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Foundation for raising an endowment to support construction of the Memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Specific Coins Authorized Title II: General Provisions United States Commemorative Coins Act of 1995 - Title I: Specific Coins Authorized - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue ten-dollar gold coins to commemorate the bicentennial of United States gold coinage. (Sec. 102) Requires the Secretary to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the role of President Harry S. Truman. Directs coin sale surcharge distribution to the Harry S. Truman Library Foundation and the U.N. Association. (Sec. 103) Requires the Secretary to mint and issue coins commemorating: (1) the sesquicentennial of the founding of the Smithsonian Institution; (2) the public opening of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Washington, D.C.; (3) the 125th anniversary of the establishment of the first U.S. National Park, Yellowstone National Park; and (4) the sacrifices of law enforcement officers and their families in preserving public safety, with surcharge proceeds paid to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Inc. Title II: General Provisions - Mandates that the design for the coins be: (1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with recipient organizations and the Commission of Fine Arts; and (2) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1995
James Madison Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue commemorative one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the 250th anniversary of the birth of James Madison and the life and achievements of the fourth President of the United States. Requires the Secretary to turn over proceeds from surcharges to the National Trust for Historic Preservation to be used to: (1) establish an endowment as a permanent source for Montpelier (home of James Madison and a museum); and (2) fund capital restoration projects at Montpelier.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1995
Diabetes Research Act of 1995 - Authorizes appropriations, in addition to any other authorization of appropriations, for the conduct and support of diabetes research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Requires that, of the amounts appropriated under this authorization, the NIH reserve a specified amount for the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the remainder for the other national research institutes.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1995
Historic Homeownership Assistance Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 20 percent of the qualified rehabilitation expenditures made by a taxpayer with respect to a certified historic structure which has been substantially rehabilitated and which is owned by the taxpayer and used as his or her principal residence. Allows the credit for such expenditures to be taken by a purchaser of the rehabilitated home. Permits, in lieu of the credit, a historic rehabilitation mortgage credit certificate, which shall be transferred to a lender in exchange for a reduction in the rate of interest on the loan secured by the building.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1995
Civilian Marksmanship Program Privatization Act - Provides that, on and after October 1, 1995, the Civilian Marksmanship Program of the Department of the Army shall be operated as a nonappropriated fund instrumentality within the Department of Defense. Requires the Program to be under the general supervision of a National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety, which shall replace the current National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice. Limits Program expenditures for any fiscal year to $5 million. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to reserve for the Program all remaining M-1 Garand rifles and ammunition. Requires participants in Program activities to sign an affidavit that they: (1) have never been convicted of a firearms violation under Federal or State law; and (2) are not members of any organization which advocates the violent overthrow of the U.S. Government. Authorizes the commander of a major command of the armed forces (currently, either the President or the Secretary of the Army) to detail certain military officers and enlisted personnel to duty as instructors at rifle ranges for training civilians in the safe use of military arms. Authorizes the payment of travel and per diem costs for such personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Cancellation and Suspension Title II: Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 Title III: Data Collection Activities to Assure the Health of Infants and Children and Other Measures Title IV: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act Food Quality Protection Act of 1995 - Title I: Cancellation and Suspension - Amends provisions of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) relating to cancellations, changes in classifications, or other terms of registration with respect to the authority of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Requires that a rulemaking under such provisions be based on a validated test or other significant evidence raising prudent concerns of unreasonable adverse effects to man or to the environment. Denies registration applications that are not in compliance with this Act. Title II: Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 - Minor Use Crop Protection Act of 1995 - Amends FIFRA to define "minor use" as the use of a pesticide on an animal or commercial agricultural crop or site or for public health protection where: (1) the total U.S. acreage for the crop is less than 300,000 acres; or (2) the Administrator determines that the use does not provide sufficient economic incentive to support the initial or continuing registration of a pesticide for such use and there are insufficient alternatives available for the use, the alternatives pose greater environmental or health risks, or the pesticide plays or will play a significant part in managing pest resistance or in an integrated pest management program. Extends the period of exclusive data use for data submitted to support original registration applications for pesticides for an additional year for each three minor uses registered after this Act's enactment and before the expiration of the period of exclusive use, up to a total of three additional years for all minor uses registered by the Administrator if the Administrator determines that: (1) there are insufficient alternatives available for the use or the alternatives pose greater environmental or health risks; or (2) the pesticide plays or will play a significant part in managing pest resistance or in an integrated pest management program. Requires the Administrator, upon the request of a registrant, to extend the deadline for the production of residue chemistry data required solely to support a minor use subject to specified conditions. Applies the same extension conditions to data for reregistrations. Authorizes the Administrator to modify or revoke such extensions if the use may cause unreasonable adverse environmental effects. Permits the Administrator, in handling the registration of a pesticide for a minor use, to waive applicable data requirements if the absence of data will not prevent the Administrator from determining the risk presented by the pesticide and that the risk would not have an adverse environmental effect. Provides for expedited review (within one year of submission) of applications to support minor use pesticide registrations. Sets forth conditions for extensions of registrations for unsupported minor uses. Provides a procedure for meeting data requirements where a registrant has voluntarily cancelled a registration and another application is pending for registration of a pesticide that is for a minor use and is identical or substantially similar to, or for an identical or substantially similar use as, the cancelled pesticide. Directs the Administrator to establish a minor use program. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Department of Agriculture minor use program and a separate matching fund program. Requires the matching fund program to be utilized to ensure the continued availability of minor use crop protection chemicals. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Data Collection Activities to Assure the Health of Infants and Children and Other Measures - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Administrator and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to coordinate the development and implementation of survey procedures to ensure collection of adequate data on food consumption patterns of infants and children. Requires residue surveillance activities of the Department of Agriculture to provide for the improved surveillance of pesticide residues, including increased sampling of foods most likely consumed by infants and children. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) collect pesticide use data of statewide or regional significance for all the major crops and crops of dietary significance; and (2) in cooperation with the Administrator, implement research, demonstration, and education programs to support adoption of integrated pest management. Requires Federal agencies to use and promote integrated pest management techniques. Title IV: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to redefine "pesticide chemical," subject to exception, as any substance that is a pesticide, or any active ingredient thereof, within the meaning of FIFRA. Defines "pesticide chemical residue," subject to exception, as a residue in or on a raw agricultural commodity or processed food of a pesticide chemical or any other added substance present as a result of a pesticide chemical's metabolism or other degradation. Deems a processed food not to be adulterated, within the meaning of FDCA, if there are present pesticide chemical residues at tolerance levels not considered unsafe. (Current law treats only raw agricultural commodities in this manner.) Sets forth requirements relating to tolerances and exemptions from tolerances for pesticide chemical residues in food, including residues of degradation products, which allow the presence in processed food at the tolerance applicable to the raw agricultural commodity from which the processed food is made. Prohibits establishment of a tolerance that is more stringent than a level the Administrator determines is adequate to protect the public health (i.e., if the dietary risk posed by such level of residues is negligible). Allows a greater than negligible dietary risk if: (1) use protects from greater adverse health effects to humans or the environment; (2) use avoids greater risks from another pesticide; or (3) the unavailability of the pesticide would reduce the availability of an adequate, wholesome, and economical domestic supply of the food. Prohibits issuance of a final rule that revokes, modifies, or suspends a tolerance or exemption until the Administrator has taken any necessary action under FIFRA with respect to the registration of the pesticide involved. Requires the Administrator, where a pesticide is labeled for use on a particular food, to: (1) revoke any tolerance or exemption that allows the presence of a particular chemical or its residue in or on such food if the Administrator cancels the registration of each pesticide that contains the chemical or modifies it to prohibit the pesticide's use in connection with such food; and (2) suspend any such tolerance or exemption upon the suspension of the use of each pesticide that contains the chemical. Provides for: (1) tolerances for unavoidable residues in the case of a residue of a canceled or suspended pesticide chemical that will unavoidably persist in the environment and be present in or on a food; and (2) residues resulting from an application which was lawful at the time of application but with respect to which the tolerance or exemption has since been revoked, suspended, or modified. Prohibits, subject to exception, a State from enforcing any limit on a qualifying pesticide chemical residue (as defined in this Act) in or on any food which is not identical to Federal requirements. Prohibits a State, absent an unreasonable dietary risk, from enforcing a limit on the level of residues in any food if the sale of such food containing such residue level was lawful at the time of application of the pesticide. Authorizes appropriations for increased monitoring of pesticide residues in imported and domestic food.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995
Brownfield Cleanup and Redevelopment Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) establish certification criteria for State voluntary cleanup programs at eligible facilities; and (2) certify qualified States to carry out cleanup programs at eligible facilities in lieu of any Federal program that addresses the cleanup under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 or the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Defines "eligible facility" as a facility that is determined by a State to have environmental contamination that: (1) could prevent the timely use, development, or reuse of the facility or property; and (2) is limited in scope and can be readily evaluated. Requires the Administrator to ensure that State programs continue to meet the terms of certification by conducting biennial audits. Sets procedures for withdrawal of certification where deficiencies are not resolved. Directs the Administrator to require a State program, to be certified, to provide: (1) that only eligible facilities may participate; (2) adequate opportunities for public participation in the development and implementation of cleanup plans; (3) technical assistance throughout each voluntary cleanup; (4) adequate oversight and enforcement authority to ensure that the voluntary cleanups comply with Federal and State laws; and (5) for State certification to the owner or prospective purchaser of an eligible facility that the cleanup is complete. Makes ineligible for such programs facilities that are: (1) eligible for abatement actions, or subject to Federal enforcement action, under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980; (2) on or proposed for inclusion on the National Priorities List or evaluated as high priority under the hazard ranking system; (3) subject to certain actions, or unqualified to conduct certain hazardous waste disposal activities, under the Solid Waste Disposal Act; or (4) owned or operated by the United States. Prohibits requiring a Federal, State, or local permit for any cleanup conducted under and in compliance with a certified State voluntary cleanup program.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995
Brownfield Cleanup and Redevelopment Revolving Loan Fund Pilot Project Act of 1996 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a pilot project to provide capitalization loans to States to establish or expand revolving loan funds that provide loans for voluntary environmental cleanups of eligible facilities (those determined by the State to have limited environmental contamination that can be readily and comprehensively evaluated and that could prevent the timely use, development, or reuse of the facility or property). Authorizes appropriations. Makes ineligible for such assistance facilities that are: (1) eligible for abatement actions, or subject to Federal enforcement action, under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980; (2) on or proposed for inclusion on the National Priorities List or evaluated as high priority under the hazard ranking system; (3) subject to certain actions, or unqualified to conduct certain hazardous waste disposal activities, under the Solid Waste Disposal Act; or (4) owned or operated by the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1995
Major League Baseball Antitrust Reform Act of 1995 - Amends the Clayton Act to make the antitrust laws applicable to the business of professional major league baseball. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect the applicability of the antitrust laws to: (1) professional baseball's amateur draft, the minor league reserve clause, the Professional Baseball Agreement, or any other matter relating to the minor leagues; (2) any restraint by professional baseball on franchise relocation; or (3) the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1995
Made in America Clarification Act of 1995 - Defines the term "made in America or the equivalent thereof" for purposes of the Buy America Act and other related Federal law to mean an unmanufactured end product mined or produced in the United States or an end product manufactured in the United States if the value of its component parts which were mined, produced or manufactured in the United States equals 65 percent or more of the total value of all its components.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1995
Gun Retention Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties for knowingly taking or attempting to take a firearm from a law enforcement officer against that officer's will while such officer is engaged in the performance of official duties. Imposes: (1) a fine and ten to 15 years' imprisonment for such an offense other than an attempt or for such an offense that is an attempt during which the firearm is discharged (other than intentionally by the officer); and (2) a fine and five to ten years' imprisonment for any other offense that is an attempt. Prohibits such a term of imprisonment from running concurrently with any other term imposed with respect to the same criminal episode.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1995
Propane Education and Research Act of 1995 - Authorizes the qualified industry organizations (the National Propane Gas Association, the Gas Processors Association, or successor organizations, or a group of retail marketers or producers who collectively represent at least 25 percent of the volume of propane sold or produced in the United States) to conduct, at their own expense, a referendum among producers and retail marketers for the creation of a Propane Education and Research Council. Directs the Council, if established, to develop programs (including programs to enhance consumer and employee safety and training) and enter into contracts for: (1) propane research and development; (2) consumer education; and (3) payment for program costs with funds collected under this Act. Requires the Council to reimburse the Secretary of Energy annually for any costs incurred by the United States, but not to exceed the average annual salary of Department of Energy employees. Prescribes guidelines under which the Council shall set annual assessments on odorized propane to cover program costs. Directs the Council to establish a program to coordinate its operations with any State propane education and research council. Prohibits Council funds from being used for lobbying activities. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to annually prepare and make available to the Council, the Secretary of Energy (Secretary), and the public, an analysis of changes in propane prices relative to other energy resources. Requires the Council to restrict its activities to research and development, training, and safety whenever in any year the five-year average rolling price index of consumer grade propane exceeds by more than 10.1 percent the five-year rolling average price composite index of residential electricity, residential natural gas, and refiner price to end users of Number 2 fuel oil. Requires the price of propane to be determined by market forces in all cases. Prohibits the Council from taking action to pass the cost of the annual assessments to consumers. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report biennially to the Congress and the Secretary on: (1) whether operation of the Council, in conjunction with the cumulative effects of market changes and Federal programs, has had an effect on propane consumers, including residential, agriculture, process, and nonfuel users; and (2) whether there have been long-term and short-term effects on propane prices as a result of Council activities and Federal programs.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1995
Amends the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 to require that determinations of status as: (1) an Indian child be prospective from date of birth; and (2) a member of an Indian tribe be prospective from tribal membership. States that for the purposes of any child custody proceeding involving an Indian child, retroactive effect of tribal membership shall not be permitted.
![Official portrait of Rep. Traficant, James A., Jr. [D-OH-17]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/t000350_200.jpg)